Parents urge Education Ministry to implement daily sports attire policy amidst heatwave

SHAH ALAM - Parents are recommending that the Education Ministry revise the school uniform guidelines in response to the current El Nino phenomenon, with temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius nationwide.

Businesswoman Nurul Hidayu Mohd Hadri, 34, said it would be better if the ministry allowed students to wear sports attire every day, as it is more practical and easier to move around.

"I do not deny the ministry's previous directive allowing students to wear sports attire two days a week, but it would be better if the ministry considered allowing the wearing of sports attire every day.

"School uniforms are hot and children are much more comfortable in sports attire.

"This suggestion is not made for the convenience of parents but for the comfort and well-being of children who have to face the hot weather," she said when contacted yesterday.

On Jan 19, it was reported that students in all educational institutions under the Education Ministry were allowed to wear uniforms two days a week throughout the 2024–2025 school year.

Its minister Fadhlina Sidek recently announced that the ministry has issued guidelines stating that any outdoor activities could not be conducted if the temperature reaches 35 degrees Celsius for three consecutive days.

She added that if schools organised outdoor activities during the El Nino phenomenon and hot weather conditions, parents can submit formal complaints to the Public Complaints Management System (SISPAA).

Commenting on the latest guidelines, Nurul Hidayu hoped that schools would comply with the instructions.

"I express gratitude for the ministry's concern for the health of children. We hope that schools will consider this before carrying out any activities," said the mother of four.

Meanwhile, Siti Nurul Jannah Mohd Rhodi, 32, also suggested that the ministry allow students to wear uniformed T-shirts on co-curricular days even if they were participating in marching events.